My Friend Sal

AcmeHardball — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:24:36 -0000

I'm probably setting myself up for a bit of good-natured ridicule, but I thought I'd introduce myself and speak out in favor of a friend of mine. Sal Fasano.

To be honest, some of the comments I've seen here are very much like the ones I've read wherever he's gone. Not the AAA clubs of course, for they're often glad to have him...but whether it's the Rockies, the Orioles, The Yankees or even now the Tribe...there's no getting around the usual mockery. Hey, everyone's entitled to their opinion and god knows Sal's not headed for Cooperstown. His penchent for facial hair has prompted Moustache Night, in Syracuse and a remarkable photoshop job by the scoreboard folks at Yankee Stadium. He's fully aware that more people know him for his Fu Manchu than how he calls a game.

I've known Sal since High School. I've followed his career as any friend would, and catch his games when I can. When he joins a new team I tend to look at blogs like this to see how he's accepted and unfortunately it's clear he's come to your team at a very difficult time. By no means does a guy who's backing up the backup catcher hold any allusions of turning things around for his new team, but believe me when I say that you have a guy on your bench who will give everything he's got to make the Indians a winner on every given day.

Sal is not out there collecting a paycheck because he' thinks he's entitled to one. He understands how very few men ever get to play at the major league level and understands that his role is unique. As notorious or humorous as his reputation may be among these blogs, there's a reputation among general managers and other players that continues to bring him back to the Show when it looks like he's forever exiled to Syracuse or Durham. Pitchers love having Sal behind the plate and his value will probably find a more suitable venue as a coach in the years ahead.

Listen, I don't mean to rain on the parade. I enjoy the stuff about Sal as much as anyone. (With some clubs, he's achieved Chuck Norris heroics), but I felt inclined to say something because I know that he's going to be here for a few weeks....and I felt he could use someone getting his back.

One last thing. The stories about Sal being a regular guy off the field are far from spin. I have no doubt that if you all met Sal over a pizza or in the stands of a football game you'd come away really liking the guy.

He's grateful to be an Indian and he'll bust his ass for you guys.

Thanks,

Acme Hardball

SB Nation User Blog: AcmeHardball

My Friend Sal